High Court to hear Seth-Zitto defamation case in November

DAR ES SALAAM: THE High Court of Tanzania is set to hear a high-profile defamation case filed by Independent Power Tanzania Limited (IPTL) Executive Chairman, Mr Harbinder Singh Sethi, against retired ACT-Wazalendo party leader, Mr Zitto Kabwe.

The case, which is scheduled for hearing on November 12 and 13, will take place at the High Court, Dar es Salaam Sub-Registry, before Judge Arnold John Kirekiano.

Mr Sethi claims that Mr Kabwe defamed him through statements made on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on April 4, 2025, alleging that the publications were false, malicious and harmful to his reputation.

In court last Friday, Mr Sethi submitted a statement outlining ten claims against Mr Kabwe, supported by several documentary exhibits. He is seeking various court orders, including a declaration that the statements made by the respondent were defamatory, false and damaging.

Others include a written, unconditional apology and retraction published on the same platform (X) where the defamatory content originally appeared, a public apology published in mainstream newspapers, with bold and prominent headlines on the front page for one week and a broadcast apology aired on leading television and radio stations, repeated throughout the week.

He is also demanding 10bn/- in compensation for defamation and reputational damage, an additional 5bn/- in general damages for libel and aggravated damages for emotional distress as well as a permanent injunction restraining Mr Kabwe, his agents, or representatives from further publishing or circulating defamatory content about Mr Sethi.

ALSO READ: Contractors urged to uphold laws, regulations in project implementation

In his testimony, Mr Sethi described himself as a highly respected individual and reputable businessman both nationally and internationally. He stated that his reputation has been built over decades through “diligent and honest work” in various sectors, including energy, mining, agriculture, hospitality and construction.

“I hold the position of Executive Chairman of IPTL, a legally incorporated company under Tanzanian law whose core mandate includes power generation in the country,” he said.

He further added that his total investment in Tanzania exceeds 250 million US dollars, and he is also a trustee of the Sikh Council of Africa, representing more than 8,000 members across the continent.